Patents Assigned to Tridonic AG
  • Patent number: 10143064
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular LED lighting unit, comprising a first module (1) to which an AC supply voltage (9) can be supplied and which comprises: a second sub-module (B), at the output of which a DC supply voltage (5) is provided which is galvanically isolated from the AC supply voltage (9), and a control unit (G), further comprising a second module (2) which comprises a further sub-module (C) supplied with the DC supply voltage (5) of the first module (1), in particular a pulsed constant current source, which is controlled by a control unit (E) of the second module (2), an LED module (F) which has at least one LED range (8) and is supplied by the further sub-module (C), inn particular a constant current source, and an emergency light operating circuit which is connected to a rechargeable energy store (ES); and takes over powering the modular LED lighting unit in the event of failure of the AC supply voltage (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: November 27, 2018
    Assignees: Tridonic AG, Tridonic UK Ltd.
    Inventors: Michael Zimmermann, Ueli Keller, Ian Wilson
  • Patent number: 9693407
    Abstract: The invention relates to an LED operating circuit in which a second module (2), preferably a light management module, with an additional sub-module (C), preferably a constant flow source, supplies an LED module (F) which has one or more LED sections (8). A control unit (E) of the second module (2) is embodied such that it can access a memory (4) of the second module (2) in order to read an identification of the LED-module (F) or to read the contents stored in the memory (4).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignee: Tridonic AG
    Inventor: Michael Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 9693402
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular LED-light comprising a first module (1) to which an input voltage (9), preferably an AC-supply voltage, is guided, said first module comprising a second sub-module (B), preferably an insulating unit, a DC voltage separating the supply voltage by a galvanic separation being provided on the outlet of said insulating unit, and a control unit (G). Said LED light also comprises a second module (2), preferably a light management module, comprising an additional sub-module (C) which is fed by the DC-initial voltage of the first module (1), preferably a clocked constant flow source which is controlled by a control unit (E) of the second module (2), and an LED-module (F) which comprises at least one LED path (8) and which is supplied by the additional sub-module (C).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: June 27, 2017
    Assignees: Tridonic AG, Tridonic GmbH & Co. KG
    Inventors: Michael Zimmermann, Eduardo Pereira, Martin Hartmann
  • Publication number: 20170118820
    Abstract: A light box, for illuminated advertising, includes at least one transparent front face, which is illuminated by at least two lamps, and includes at least two lamps, at least two operating devices for operating each lamp. The operating devices each have a first interface and the first interfaces are connected to each other and to a control device, two different sensors are connected to the control device and the lamps are actuated by the operating devices according to the control signals received via the first interface.
    Type: Application
    Filed: January 3, 2017
    Publication date: April 27, 2017
    Applicants: Tridonic GmbH & Co. KG, Tridonic AG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Fenkart, Frank Horn
  • Patent number: 9326351
    Abstract: The invention relates to an LED driver circuit comprising: a circuit block for providing an adjustable DC voltage and a clocked constant current source, e.g. a DC/DC converter that is supplied with the DC voltage, comprising a switch that is clocked by a control circuit in such a way that a reduction of the activation period ton of the switch leads to a reduction in the provision of power. One or more LEDs can be supplied from the constant current source and in addition to reducing the activation period t0N, the control unit is designed to change at least one other control variable of the constant current source or the circuit block in order to provide the direct current.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 26, 2016
    Assignee: Tridonic AG
    Inventors: Michael Zimmermann, Eduardo Pereira
  • Patent number: 9220150
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular LED lighting unit, comprising a first module (1) to which an AC supply voltage (9) can be supplied and which comprises: a second sub-module (B), at the output of which a DC supply voltage (5) is provided, which is galvanically isolated from the supply voltage, and a control unit (G), further comprising a second module (2), preferably a lamp management module, which comprises a further sub-module (C) supplied with the DC supply voltage (5) of the first module (1), preferably a constant current source, which is controlled by a control unit (E) of the second module (2), an LED module (F) which has at least one LED range (8) and is supplied by the further sub-module (C), and an emergency light operating circuit which is connected to a rechargeable energy store (ES); and takes over powering the modular LED lighting unit in the event of failure of the AC supply voltage (9).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Date of Patent: December 22, 2015
    Assignees: Tridonic GmbH & Co. KG, Tridonic AG
    Inventors: Martin Hartmann, Michael Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 9137861
    Abstract: A circuit for operating at least one LED (“driver circuit”) includes input terminals to be connected to an input or operating voltage in the form of a direct current (DC) voltage or a rectified alternating current (AC) voltage, and output terminals to be connected to a load circuit containing the at least one LED. The circuit includes a clocked switch and a control circuit for clocking the switch. The control circuit is in the form of an integrated circuit (IC) and is provided with input and output pins. The control circuit generates a clock signal for the switch depending on at least two actual value signals, such that there is a control loop with the manipulated variable “clocking of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: July 9, 2013
    Date of Patent: September 15, 2015
    Assignees: TRIDONIC GMBH and CO KG, TRIDONIC AG
    Inventors: Guenter Marent, Michael Zimmermann, Alexander Barth, Markus Mayrhofer
  • Patent number: 9060406
    Abstract: A circuit for the power regulation of an LED comprises a converter having a switch. The LED is interconnected in an output circuit, wherein a control unit controls the magnetization of an inductor, in that it actively clocks the switch. A measured actual value representative of the average value of the LED current is returned to the control unit and compared to a reference value.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 26, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 16, 2015
    Assignees: TRIDONIC GMBH and CO KG, TRIDONIC AG
    Inventors: Eduardo Pereira, Michael Zimmermann, Alexander Barth, Markus Mayrhofer, Guenter Marent
  • Patent number: 9006995
    Abstract: The invention relates to a retrofit LED lamp (17) comprising a carrier (18) having at least one light-emitting diode (LED) (29), further comprising a driver circuit (12) for supplying power to the LED (29) and a socket (20) for electrically and mechanically connecting to a conventional lamp holder, characterized in that the retrofit LED lamp (17) comprises a carrier frequency system or power line communication (PLC) unit (16) connected to the electrical contacts (3, 4) and designed for receiving and/or transmitting data via the socket (20).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Date of Patent: April 14, 2015
    Assignee: Tridonic AG
    Inventors: Eduardo Pereira, Michael Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 8698415
    Abstract: A regulation circuit is provided for making available a constant current supply on the basis of a transformer principle, in which there flows through the luminescent diodes a triangular a.c. current varying periodically around a d.c. current value. Circuitry is provided so that both the charging and the discharging current of an inductive reactance connected in series to the luminescent diodes, functioning as a storage choke for filtering of mains harmonics, flows as diode current through the luminescent diodes. An advantage of this method consists in a significant reduction of the overall power loss of the LED illumination module. According to one embodiment, the ceramic circuit board of the LED illumination module has a direct mains current supply, which, for protection from mechanical damage, is accommodated in a transparent housing having a highly transparent polymer mass serving as an optically active lens surface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 12, 2011
    Date of Patent: April 15, 2014
    Assignees: Tridonic Jennersdorf GmbH, Tridonic AG
    Inventors: Felix Tobler, Michael Zimmermann, Stefan Tasch
  • Patent number: 8614553
    Abstract: An operating device for operation of at least one illuminant, such as one or more LEDs, includes first and second converters and first and second logic circuits. The first converter is supplied directly or indirectly with mains voltage, with a first reference potential. The second converter is galvanically isolated from the first converter, with a second reference potential for supplying a load circuit with the illuminant. The first logic circuit is for controlling the first converter, and the second logic circuit is for controlling the second converter. The first logic circuit and the second logic circuit are connected to one another, with potential isolation, via an interface.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: November 4, 2009
    Date of Patent: December 24, 2013
    Assignees: Tridonic GmbH and Co KG, Tridonic AG
    Inventor: Alexander Barth
  • Patent number: 8525442
    Abstract: An operating circuit is provided for an LED, which receives a voltage, and which supplies a voltage for the LED via a coil, having a first switch clocked by a control/regulating unit. Power is stored temporarily in the coil when the first switch is activated so that the power is discharged via a diode and via the LED when the first switch is turned off. A capacitor is arranged in parallel to the LED and maintains current through the LED during the demagnetization of the coil. A first switch generates a first sensor signal dependent on the current flowing through the first switch, and/or a second sensor unit, which detects whether demagnetization of the coil unit has occurred and generates a sensor signal. The signals are fed to the control/regulating unit and processed. The control/regulating unit reactivates the first switch when the coil is demagnetized and/or the diode is blocking.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 16, 2009
    Date of Patent: September 3, 2013
    Assignee: Tridonic AG
    Inventors: Michael Zimmermann, Eduardo Pereira
  • Publication number: 20130200707
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular LED lighting unit, comprising a first module (1) to which an AC supply voltage (9) can be supplied and which comprises: a second sub-module (B), at the output of which a DC supply voltage (5) is provided, which is galvanically isolated from the supply voltage, and a control unit (G), further comprising a second module (2), preferably a lamp management module, which comprises a further sub-module (C) supplied with the DC supply voltage (5) of the first module (1), preferably a constant current source, which is controlled by a control unit (E) of the second module (2), an LED module (F) which has at least one LED range (8) and is supplied by the further sub-module (C), and an emergency light operating circuit which is connected to a rechargeable energy store (ES); and takes over powering the modular LED lighting unit in the event of failure of the AC supply voltage (9).
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 11, 2011
    Publication date: August 8, 2013
    Applicants: Tridonic AG, Tridonic GmbH & Co KG
    Inventors: Martin Hartmann, Michael Zimmermann
  • Publication number: 20130193849
    Abstract: The invention relates to a modular LED-light comprising a first module (1) to which an input voltage (9), preferably an AC-supply voltage, is guided, said first module comprising a second sub-module (B), preferably an insulating unit, a DC voltage separating the supply voltage by a galvanic separation being provided on the outlet of said insulating unit, and a control unit (G). Said LED light also comprises a second module (2), preferably a light management module, comprising an additional sub-module (C) which is fed by the DC-initial voltage of the first module (1), preferably a clocked constant flow source which is controlled by a control unit (E) of the second module (2), and an LED-module (F) which comprises at least one LED path (8) and which is supplied by the additional sub-module (C).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: August 1, 2013
    Applicants: Tridonic GmbH & Co. KG, Tridonic AG
    Inventors: Michael Zimmermann, Eduardo Pereira, Martin Hartmann
  • Patent number: 8482211
    Abstract: A circuit for operating at least one LED (“driver circuit”) includes input terminals to be connected to an input or operating voltage in the form of a direct current (DC) voltage or a rectified alternating current (AC) voltage, and output terminals to be connected to a load circuit containing the at least one LED. The circuit includes a clocked switch and an open-loop control circuit for clocking the switch. The open-loop control circuit is in the form of an integrated circuit (IC) and is provided with input and output pins. The open-loop control circuit generates a clock signal for the switch depending on at least two actual value signals, such that there is a control loop with the manipulated variable “clocking of the switch.
    Type: Grant
    Filed: October 15, 2009
    Date of Patent: July 9, 2013
    Assignees: Tridonic GmbH and Co KG, Tridonic AG
    Inventors: Guenter Marent, Michael Zimmermann, Alexander Barth, Markus Mayrhofer
  • Publication number: 20130134893
    Abstract: The invention relates to an LED driver circuit comprising: a circuit block for providing an adjustable DC voltage and a clocked constant current source, e.g. a DC/DC converter that is supplied with the DC voltage, comprising a switch that is clocked by a control circuit in such a way that a reduction of the activation period ton of the switch leads to a reduction in the provision of power. One or more LEDs can be supplied from the constant current source and in addition to reducing the activation period t0N, the control unit is designed to change at least one other control variable of the constant current source or the circuit block in order to provide the direct current.
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 21, 2011
    Publication date: May 30, 2013
    Applicant: TRIDONIC AG
    Inventors: Michael Zimmermann, Eduardo Pereira
  • Publication number: 20130074384
    Abstract: A light box (10), for illuminated advertising, has at least one transparent front face (FS), which is illuminated by at least two lamps, includes at least two lighting devices (La1, La2), at least two operating devices (BG1, BG2) for operating each lighting device (La1, La2), wherein the operating devices (BG1, BG2) each have a first interface (IN11, IN12) and the first interfaces (IN11, IN12) are connected to each other and to a control device (SG). Two different sensors (SE1, SE2) are connected to the control device (SG) and the lighting devices (La1, La2) are actuated by the operating devices (BG1, BG2) according to the control signals received via the first interface (IN11, IN12).
    Type: Application
    Filed: March 30, 2011
    Publication date: March 28, 2013
    Applicants: TRIDONIC AG, TRIDONIC GMBH & CO. KG
    Inventors: Karl-Heinz Fenkart, Frank Horn
  • Publication number: 20120280638
    Abstract: The invention relates to a retrofit LED lamp (17) comprising a carrier (18) having at least one light-emitting diode (LED) (29), further comprising a driver circuit (12) for supplying power to the LED (29) and a socket (20) for electrically and mechanically connecting to a conventional lamp holder, characterized in that the retrofit LED lamp (17) comprises a carrier frequency system or power line communication (PLC) unit (16) connected to the electrical contacts (3, 4) and designed for receiving and/or transmitting data via the socket (20).
    Type: Application
    Filed: December 8, 2010
    Publication date: November 8, 2012
    Applicant: Tridonic AG
    Inventors: Eduardo Pereira, Michael Zimmermann
  • Patent number: 8207689
    Abstract: The present invention is based on a regulation circuit (200a, 200b) for making available a constant current supply on the basis of a transformer principle, in which there flows through the luminescent diodes (D1, . . . , DN) a triangular a.c. current (ID) varying periodically around a d.c. current value. With this method it is afforded by means of a circuitry provision that both the charging and also the discharging current (IL1) of an inductive reactance (XL1) connected in series to the luminescent diodes (D1, . . . , DN), functioning as a storage choke (L1) for filtering of mains harmonics, flows as diode current (ID) through the luminescent diodes (D1, . . . , DN). The advantage of this method consists in a significant reduction of the overall power loss (PV, ges) of the LED illumination module (100).
    Type: Grant
    Filed: March 4, 2010
    Date of Patent: June 26, 2012
    Assignees: Tridonic AG, Tridonic Jennersdorf GmbH
    Inventors: Felix Tobler, Michael Zimmermann, Stefan Tasch
  • Publication number: 20120104958
    Abstract: A method is provided for operating at least one LED by a switched-mode regulator circuit to which a DC or a rectified AC voltage is supplied and which provides a supply voltage for at least one LED by a coil and a switch clocked by a control/regulation unit. When the switch is activated, power is temporarily stored in the coil and is discharged through a diode and through at least one LED when the switch is deactivated and the current flows through the LED through a first power storage element which is coupled to a second power storage element. The first power storage element just reaches its maximum capability of storing power due to the current flowing through the LED. A rising current is supplied to the second power storage element such that the time can be detected when the first power storage element recovers its capability of storing power.
    Type: Application
    Filed: April 30, 2010
    Publication date: May 3, 2012
    Applicant: TRIDONIC AG
    Inventors: Stefan Zudrell-Koch, Michael Zimmermann